CBI Nabs Army Officer and Civilian in Extensive Bribery Probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma, a Deputy Planning Officer in the International Cooperation and Exports division of the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, and a civilian identified as Vinod Kumar. The arrests, which took place on December 20, 2025, are part of an ongoing investigation into a bribery case involving alleged favours in defence procurement and export clearances. The CBI registered the case on December 19, 2025, based on credible intelligence.
During coordinated search operations conducted across Delhi, Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan), Bengaluru, and Jammu, the agency seized a substantial amount of cash totaling over ₹2.36 crore. This included the alleged bribe amount of ₹3 lakh and an additional ₹2.23 crore from Lt Col Sharma's Delhi residence. Furthermore, ₹10 lakh was recovered from premises linked to his wife in Sri Ganganagar.
Allegations of Corrupt Practices and Conspiracy
According to the CBI, Lt Col Sharma, who was posted as Deputy Planning Officer (International Cooperation & Exports), is alleged to have 'habitually indulged in corrupt and illegal activities'. He is accused of conspiring with representatives of various private companies involved in defence manufacturing and exports, accepting bribes in exchange for extending undue favours.
The investigation revealed that Vinod Kumar allegedly delivered a bribe of ₹3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma on December 18, 2025, on behalf of a Bengaluru-based company. The FIR also names Lt Col Sharma's wife, Colonel Kajal Bali, who serves as the Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, along with other private individuals and a Dubai-based company.
Wider Network Under Scrutiny
The CBI statement indicated that Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh, who reportedly manage the Indian operations of the accused Dubai-based firm from Bengaluru, were in regular contact with Lt Col Sharma. They are alleged to have sought 'undue favours by illegal means' for their company from various government departments and ministries.
Both Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma and Vinod Kumar were presented before a Special CBI Court in New Delhi on December 20, 2025, and have been remanded to police custody until December 23, 2025. The agency has stated that further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption network and identify any other potential beneficiaries.
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